Acoustics vs. Monitors

[Caenros]

First post. I wanted to start off by saying I appreciate the amazing amount of information that this site and it's members have to offer. Granted, reading a forum can only take you as far as gaining general knowledge when utilized as a learning tool. Experience and applying that knowledge would be the second step. One, that I imagine, never ends.

On that note I have been consistently battling with myself with regards to acoustics and monitors. I understand the extreme importance of acoustics in order to fully grasp the quality of ones monitors, but the balance between the two is where I need assistance from more experienced individuals.

I have roughly $1800 budgeted towards monitors/acoustics. My original plan was to spend roughly $1000 on acoustic treatments for my room (which is 12.5ft x 10ft x 8.25 ft) in order to cover the basics of early reflection points, corner trapping, and possibly some diffusors. I do not want a completely dead room, just controlled sound so I can trust what I hear. The remaining money would go towards a good set of beginner monitors between $600-$800 (many thanks to all of the monitor suggestion threads, by the way).

My dilemma is the fact that I am not exactly well paid. I have been saving for a few years in order to gather the funds required to take this step. I would truly like some monitors that I can trust, alongside my room.

Would it be better to step up the monitor latter (into the $900-$1100 range) and spend the remainder on acoustics, as opposed to my original idea?

[Yiannis]

The solution, as always, is to make a trusty room.
You will achieve that only with acoustic treatment.
Thats a fact!
Then you can put your monitors inside and let them reveal the truth.

[Glenn Kuras]

I am not up to date on all monitors but I would think for $800 you can get some pretty nice (maybe used?) monitors. I think your plan is solid as the room really is going to be key to knowing what is going on. A better way said, $3000 monitors still will not work in a untreated room properly.

[DanDan]

A few years ago my trusted monitors of several decades grew weak. I searched for replacements. I tried many many high end designs.
Finally settled on ADAM S3A's. ALL of the monitors had the same problems in my room, so I treated the room extensively. It is pretty impressive now, but I still tweak it now and again. Aside- Mackie 824 or KRK.
DD

[Gharper23]

I would personally step up the monitoring in the 1100-1200 range and spend the rest on treating the room. You never know you might not need 1000$ worth of treatment. The only way to find out is to build it up a few pieces at a time. You can always add more trapping but your only buying the monitors once.

[Caenros]

I appreciate all of your responses. That was my original idea. My plan was starting with a GIK Room kit, then adding an additional 2 orders of GIK 244's in order to fully trap the corners. It only totals to a little over $800, which leaves enough for a decent pair of monitors. My original plan was to just drop the whole $2000 on some Unity Audio The Rocks, cause they just seem so damn sexy. But I figured that would be self defeating.

[Glenn Kuras]

Originally Posted by Caenros

I appreciate all of your responses. That was my original idea. My plan was starting with a GIK Room kit, then adding an additional 2 orders of GIK 244's in order to fully trap the corners. It only totals to a little over $800, which leaves enough for a decent pair of monitors. My original plan was to just drop the whole $2000 on some Unity Audio The Rocks, cause they just seem so damn sexy. But I figured that would be self defeating.

I think your smart going that way. You can add it now and leave yourself a bit to add more if need be. If you are ordering from us, please feel free to email us your layout so we can maximize the results.

[morebass]

BUY THE ROCKS !!
Not just because they are sexy, but because they are incredible.
Take it from me, randomly sticking bits of fibre-glass on walls, or foam wedges in corners will not greatly improve things. Acoustically, if you want real control, you have to implement proper trapping .... don't waste your money on amateur hour products.